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Introduction
Texas cuisine is wildly famous for two things: barbecue and Tex-Mex. While New Braunfels fares very well in these two departments, it adds a third staple: German food. It’s a safe bet you never knew there were so many varieties of schnitzels. And knockwurst? Forget about it.
Strudel is also a pretty big deal ‘round these parts, and Oma’s Haus (German for Grandma’s House) offers up five unique kinds, plus 12 varieties of homemade fudge. The quaint, family restaurant also sports a gift shop with an enormous selection of imported beer steins. Once you’re back home and realize you’re addicted to strudel, visit www.naegelins.com. Naegelin’s Bakery, the oldest bakery in Texas, ships just about anything, anywhere. Nearby, Friesenhaus will serve traditional German breakfast, including German apple pancakes, anytime, along with complete dinner and lunch menus.
Among the most noted restaurants is the Gristmill, in the refurbished ruins of a 130-year-old cotton gin in Gruene, a once-abandoned ghost town on the edge of New Braunfels. It features a wide range of down home favorites, but the Gristmill is most known for its setting on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River with outdoor dining under towering oak trees.
If you do go the more traditional Texas route, a few pointers: a Texan will never smother brisket in barbecue sauce. If you must, dip or top lightly. If you ask for hot sauce, you will get salsa. Queso means cheese. Avocadoes are everywhere, don’t act surprised.
Given all the German heritage, you’ll find imported beer on most menus. But don’t miss the chance to sample local offerings from Real Ale Brewery and Shiner Bock, a German-styled Texas beer. As for cocktails, you are in the land of the margarita, which you will realize quickly is the perfect drink for the Texas heat.
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